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ISSUE 2
VOLUME 71
OCTOBER 27, 2023
Electrifying adaptation of ‘Frankenstein’ takes the stage BY NATALIE TANAKA STAFF WRITER
What makes a man and what makes a monster? On Oct. 13, the Wallace Theatre premiered its first production of the academic year, “Frankenstein.” Based on Nick Dear’s 2011 stage adaption of Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel, “Frankenstein” features ominous music, dazzling lights and show-stopping performances. Zachary Bortot, associate professor of theater and director of “Frankenstein,” shared about the production. “Nick Dear’s script tells the classic story of Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but troubled young scientist who, through horrifying means, creates a sentient human being referred to as ‘the Creature,’” Bortot said. “Initially innocent and longing for love and acceptance, the Creature attempts to pursue his creator, encountering rejection from society in the process.” Unlike the novel by Mary Shelley, this production tells the story from the perspective
of the Creature rather than its creator, Victor Frankenstein. Kaleb Bravo, sophomore film major, plays the role of the Creature. “I absolutely love the role,” Bravo said. “My favorite part is how much emotion is in every aspect of the character, making him such a challenge to play, which makes it overall better for me.” According to Bravo, one unique aspect of the show is that it is “acting-driven.” The production design took a minimalistic approach, instead focused on telling the story through imagination that was brought to life by the actors’ performances. “As an educator, I love it when I can direct a piece of theater that is not only character-driven but really challenges the actors in terms of what they are able to do with their instrument,” Bortot said. “This may include anything from unique physicality to navigating a dramatic range of emotions.”
SEE FRANKENSTEIN | PAGE 2
Lindsey Stumpf | Banner
Kaleb Bravo, sophomore film major, and Alexandra Kuebler, freshman theater major, act as the “creatures in a dream” for CBU’s fall play, “Frankenstein.” The production is based on Nick Dear’s 2011 adaptation of Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel.
CAVAD students discuss divine inspiration for art BY OLIVIA COX
BY GABI RIGGIN
Across all of human history, artwork and creativity has been a central and instinctive part of life. While secular art certainly has its place in modern society, visual and performance-based religious artwork has always had significant roots. Dirk Dallas, program lead and associate professor of graphic design, shared his insights on the intersection between spirituality, faith and creativity. He holds the view that human creativity is very much related to our spirituality and connection to God. “The beginning of Genesis teaches us that we were created in God’s image, meaning we are his and we are to reflect him,” Dallas said. “From these early verses in Genesis, we learn of who we are, what we are to do and what our purpose is. Since we are called to imitate God and fulfill his image, we should make in the way that he does.”
As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to an end, media representation for Hispanics is still working to make progress compared to other demographics represented in the media. According to an article by Vanessa Martínez and Aida Ylanan in the Los Angeles Times, “Despite sustained attention to the issue of diversity in film and television, statistics on Latino representation have been sparse and inconsistent and what data does exist paints a stark picture: for more than a decade, on-screen representation has hardly improved for Latinos.” While massive Latino artists have gained popularity recently, such as singers Becky G, Karol G, Bad Bunny and Peso Pluma, certain stars laid the groundwork, such as Shakira, Selena and Jennifer
FAITH & LIFESTYLE EDITOR
Kia Harlan | Banner
Joseph Suzuki, senior graphic design major, looks at film negatives from his photography classmates, collaborating with them and giving feedback on his initial reactions to the images.
Hispanic representation in media gradually increases
SEE CAVAD | PAGE 7
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
Lopez. JLO and Shakira both performed for the Super Bowl Halftime show in 2020, one of the biggest broadcasts of the year, with about 103 million views, according to Fox. Recently, some well-known shows and movies have also placed Hispanic representation at the forefront, such as “Blue Beetle,” “Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse,” “Encanto” and “In the Heights.” These four movies span from the 2021 until now, with “Encanto” and “In the Heights” both released in 2021 and the other two during 2023. There’s been a movement to be more inclusive. There is push coming from actors such as Jenna Ortega, who wants to give a realistic representation of the world. “The Latin community only takes up three percent of all representation shown across television and film media. The TV world, the film world, should reflect what the real world looks like,” Ortega said in an interview with Hola! Representation has been
lacking even in commercials, which may not be as apparent in the modern days of streaming, but according to the Association of National Advertisers, Hispanic representation in advertising and marketing is less than half of the population. Jennifer Alvarez, junior behavioral science and Spanish major and a first-generation Mexican-American and Latino Student Union representative, said it seems as though Latino and Hispanic people continue to be underrepresented in advertising. Additionally, there are also many harmful stereotypes that many in real life have tried to steer away from. “The first [stereotype] I can think of is that we are very loud,” Alvarez said. “Just in general, for example, our colors that we use are loud, or the music that we listen to is loud, or the way that we speak,” said Alvarez, who said she saw these depictions growing up. “So as a
SEE HISPANIC REP. | PAGE 12
WAYS TO LISTEN TO MUSIC
WATER POLO DIVES IN
MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE
A survey of students who attend the Rec Center shows the most popular way to listen to music at the gym.
Water Polo is already making a big splash, as CBU wins first official conference game against Santa Clara.
Gov. Gavin Newsom announces fast food employee’s minimum wage will be raised to $20.
Arts & Entertainment, pg. 13
Sports, pg. 9
Business & Tech, pg. 10